What is the purpose of using a fire suppression system in aircraft?

The purpose of using a fire suppression system in aircraft is primarily to extinguish fires within the aircraft's engine or cargo area efficiently. Such systems are crucial for maintaining the safety of the aircraft and its occupants, as they can respond to fire emergencies swiftly, helping to mitigate damage and potentially life-threatening situations. These systems are designed to activate autonomously or manually, deploying agents such as foam or CO2 to suppress flames quickly and effectively.

The focus of fire suppression is safety and protection rather than affecting the aircraft's weight, performance, or fuel efficiency. Therefore, the other options relate either to aspects that are not directly relevant to the primary role of fire suppression or to objectives that are managed through different strategies in aviation design and operation.